Bill > HB2061

This bill establishes a new concession fee system for duty-free sales enterprises operating in Washington state. The legislation imposes a 10% fee on the gross proceeds of sales from duty-free businesses, which will apply to a wide range of merchandise including alcohol, tobacco, electronics, clothing, and other products sold at airports and international border locations. The bill defines "duty-free sales enterprise" according to federal law and creates a framework for collecting and distributing these fees. Starting July 1, 2025, the collected fees will be split equally between two accounts: the statewide tourism marketing account and a newly created sustainable aviation fuel account. The sustainable aviation fuel account will fund research, development, and infrastructure supporting sustainable aviation fuel production. The Department of Revenue will be responsible for implementing and administering the fee collection, and the fees are separate from existing business and occupation taxes. The concession fee is intended to generate revenue for the state by leveraging Washington's jurisdiction over duty-free sales locations, in line with federal laws that recognize states' authority to require such fees. The bill is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, and includes provisions to ensure that if specific funding is not allocated by June 30, 2025, the entire act will become null and void.

Budget and Finance

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=2061&Year=2025&Initiative=false